Save money: Reuse and recycling
save money by avoiding disposal costs. Some programs generate
revenue through material resale. C&D materials are high
volume and heavy, and the costs to landfill are steep. Disposal
fees are typically assessed on a per-unit haul fee plus a
per-ton fee.
Sample Recovery Vs. Disposal Costs
in
the Metropolitan Washington Region
| Material
|
Facility
Delivered To |
$ per
20 cubic yards |
| mixed building materials |
landfill |
$615 to $700 |
mixed concrete, asphalt,
bricks, blocks, gravel |
mixed construction
material crusher,
processor, and recycler |
$250 to $535 |
| gypsum |
gypsum recycler |
$500 to $600 |
| metals |
scrap metal dealer |
$250 to $595 |
| old corrugated cardboard |
paper recycler and processor |
$250 |
| reusable bricks |
used building material resale store |
$0 to $100 |
| antiques and architectural salvage |
used building material resale store |
$35 to $100 |
|
Note: Costs include collection
fees plus cost to tip loads at facility.
Self-haulers can expect to incur significantly less costs.
Large generators
with regular loads will be able to negotiate the best prices.
Source: Institute for Local Self-Reliance, Washington, DC,
May 2006.
Meet existing and expanding regulations and goals:
Many localities and agencies are requiring builders and contractors
to recycle. In the DC area, federal agencies have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding that directs project teams to
recycle at least 50% of construction and demolition waste.
Builders with expertise in reuse and recycling will have a
competitive edge now and in the future.
Protect the environment and conserve resources:
Construction and demolition materials represent 40% of all
raw material used annually in the US economy. Recovering these
materials reduces mine and forest extraction, minimizes industrial
processing, transportation and distribution, and saves dramatic
amounts of energy.
Extend the life of local landfills: Construction
and demolition materials comprise a large part of the waste
stream, an estimated 25-30% of US solid waste annually. Diverting
this material from landfill disposal extends the life expectancy
of regional landfills. New landfills are increasingly difficult
to site.
Support local businesses: This directory
lists more than 100 businesses in the Washington metropolitan
area that reuse or recycle construction and building materials.
Construction and demolition materials are easily
recyclable: There are more than 20 different material
categories that are easily recognizable and, with proper planning,
recyclable in the Washington metropolitan area – from
antiques and architectural salvage to mixed concrete, asphalt,
bricks, and gravel.
Safety: Recycling promotes a cleaner and,
therefore, safer work site.
|
